So far, the double 0s have been prime time for the reuniting of ‘70s and ‘80s punk bands. Partially because just enough time has passed for original fans to become nostalgic, partially because today’s generation wants to feel part of movement they missed and partially because bands like Gang of Four, My Blood Valentine, The Pixies and Mission of Burma want to know what it would feel like to play again after all these years.
And so far, there’s been few let downs. Take Mission of Burma for example. Even on a lazy Monday night, the threesome who came together in Boston in ’79, reminded all of us at Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge what it means to rock, last and mean it. I confess: I was having a rough Monday and I didn’t want to be there. But as soon as Burma hit the stage—where they would ensue to perform the entirety of their much-loved album Vs.—I was suddenly hit with a new burst of energy, with a second chance not unlike the second wave of opportunity occurring onstage in big bursts of guitar electricity, sweaty thrusts, saliva sprays and ferocious intentions. Sure, the band couldn’t induce the same force they achieved in the ‘80s—this is clearly a reunion tour, a salute to bygone times—but, with sheer passion inside tell-it-like-it-is punk rock, they came about as close as possible. And while not moved to shout for the same reasons that the ‘80s brought them, the band proved they still had plenty of reason to feel fired-up, tacking a sign to one guitar amp that read in big spray-painted letters: Oburma for Obama. The group was also not without humorous banter and self-deprecation. Drummer Peter Prescott complained of being hard of hearing and forgetting songs before breaking into classics like, "That’s When I Reach For My Revolver" and "This Is Not A Photograph," only to prompt head-scratching contemplation: Middle-age and this sort of loud, crazed intensity don’t tend to mix, which is precisely what makes Mission of Burma’s reunion shows so unexpectedly kick-ass. Miss Karyn-Lynn Fisette's below photos won’t deny it. They’re still on the road—catch them if you can. 
Electrified. photo by Karyn-Lynn Fisette
Dignified. photo by Karyn-Lynn Fisette
Fiery. photo by Karyn-Lynn Fisette
Unafraid. photo by Karyn-Lynn Fisette
My Trusted MOGs
M.O.B. Made a ferocious splash on the Boston Scene, exploding the boundries, lashing out & reaching out. Now they face the ageless conundrum as middle-aged men playing what is essentially the music of disaffected youth. Their audience now live out their own arrested development vicariously, through them. And the same can be said of so many artists & bands.
Having said all that, I sure would like to catch 'em again, for ole time's sake.
My Trusted MOGs
I am sooo jealous.
A little more Burma for the dog pile.
My Trusted MOGs
And one more cause you got me in the mood.
My Trusted MOGs
excellent you got to see the guys from burma doing their vs. album. i saw this show back in june and it was such a blast to hear something i had played into the ground and its interpretation now, live. something to remember. great photos too. i saw burma again 2 weeks ago and they played alot of their newer songs which i would say for a band that has reformed after so long, they still have that knack for writing immediate and urgent punk rock songs. great great band, great post
My Trusted MOGs
Haven't been able to catch MoB on this tour, but I saw them on both the OnOffOn and The Obliterati tours. Really excellent shows both times around -- glad to hear yours was as well! But these both were albums of new material (The Obliterati in particular was very good). So, while it may have been accurate in 2002 to say that MoB were doing "reunion" shows, that no longer really captures the spirit of MoB's overall shape, even if this tour is in support of the Vs. deluxe edition reissue. It's not like they're doing the Police thing -- more like the Wire thing (who also are still ferocious on stage).
My Trusted MOGs
agreed 1234, sigh, i am missing the Wire on thursday...